Bung: Sabah needs more Federal funds to deliver basic amenities to rural folk

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah wants the Federal Government to allocate more funds for basic rural infrastructure projects in the state, says Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

He said the Federal Government should focus on clean water supply, roads and electricity that are lacking in many rural areas of Sabah.

"This is important for Sabah to develop in line with other states," he said.

Bung Moktar said a larger allocation should be given to Sabah taking into account the state's geographical factors.

He said the lack of basic infrastructure for people in rural areas was a critical issue and a larger allocation would help resolve the problem, adding that the Sabah government needs federal assistance as the cost involved is great.

"Clean water, roads and electricity are basic needs. The allocation cost cannot be provided by the state government," said Bung Moktar.

"For example, to repair and upgrade water supply infrastructure alone we will need about RM27bil for the whole state," he added.

Bung Moktar said he met with Federal Rural Development Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ramlan Harun in Putrajaya to highlight the issues faced in rural Sabah.

The state Works Minister said the Sabah government expects more allocation from the Federal Government in line with the Malaysian Family concept as well to fulfil the aspirations of the people.

"With this meeting, we hope that many problems can be resolved regarding the implementation of rural projects in Sabah, especially water supply, electricity and rural roads in stages according to priority," he added.